Think that dollar coin in your junk drawer is just spare change? Think again. One special coin from the late 1970s is turning heads—and wallets—upside down. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, first minted in 1979, might look ordinary, but a rare version of it has been valued at a staggering $891,000. Yes, you read that right. And the most exciting part? These hidden gems might still be out there, tucked into cash registers, change jars, or even your pocket.
A Coin That Changed History
When the U.S. Mint released the Susan B. Anthony Dollar in 1979, it made headlines. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman—the pioneering women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony. Her bold portrait sits on the front, while the back features an eagle landing on the moon, honoring the Apollo 11 mission.
But despite its trailblazing design, the coin wasn’t a hit with the public. Why? It looked too much like a quarter—same size, similar color. Many people confused it for 25 cents and ignored it altogether. As a result, tons of these coins were stashed away, forgotten… and that’s what makes some of them rare and extremely valuable today.
So What Makes One Worth $891,000?
Not all Susan B. Anthony Dollars are treasure troves, but a few specific ones definitely are:
- 1979-P “Wide Rim” (a.k.a. Near Date): This is the crown jewel. On this variety, the date sits unusually close to the rim, making the rim look thicker than normal. It’s subtle, but rare—and collectors go wild for it. One sold in 2024 for a mind-blowing $891,000 because of its near-perfect condition.
- 1979-S Proof with Clear “S” Mint Mark: This shiny, mirror-like proof coin with a sharply defined “S” mint mark can bring in up to $5,000.
- 1981-S Type 2 Proof with Clear “S”: Not quite as famous, but still a gem. This version can fetch up to $2,500 if it’s in great shape.
| Year | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-P | Wide Rim / Near Date | Up to $891,000 |
| 1979-S | Clear “S” Proof | Up to $5,000 |
| 1981-S | Type 2 Proof, Clear “S” | Up to $2,500 |
How to Spot One in the Wild
Think you might have a rare dollar coin? Here’s how to tell:
- Check the year — 1979 is the golden ticket.
- Look for the “P” mint mark (Philadelphia).
- Inspect the rim: Is the date snug against the edge? Does the rim seem thicker? That’s your Wide Rim!
- Shiny surface and “S” mint mark? You might have a valuable proof coin.
Use a magnifying glass if needed—but don’t clean the coin. Cleaning can damage its surface and tank its value.
Are These Coins Still Out There?
Absolutely. Just last year, a woman in Ohio discovered a 1979-P Wide Rim dollar while working the register at her small-town diner. It ended up being worth $10,000. With millions of these coins initially minted and so many forgotten or stored away, you never know where one might pop up—vending machines, old wallets, bank rolls, or even Grandpa’s coin jar.
Your Treasure Hunt Starts Now
It’s kind of thrilling to think you could be carrying history—and a potential fortune—in your pocket. So go ahead, check your change. Dig through that drawer. Ask your relatives about old coins. Keep a magnifying glass handy and look closely at any Susan B. Anthony dollars you find.
Because somewhere out there, a small silver-colored coin is waiting to be discovered… and it might just be worth nearly a million dollars.